Insect quarantine to be expanded

February 6, 2013

ALBANY - The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets announced Tuesday the state will propose a revision to its Emerald Ash Borer quarantine to include all or parts of 22 counties in the effort.

Most of Montgomery County and part of southwestern Fulton County will be included in the quarantine.

The ash borer is an invasive, exotic insect that quickly kills all ash trees once it becomes established in an area or community, the release said.

The emergency rule expanding the quarantine will take effect May 1 and be followed by a permanent rule-making process, the release said.

State and federal agriculture inspectors will issue new compliance agreements for facilities affected by this change.

The quarantine chiefly affects the transportation of ash trees and firewood made from ash trees.